Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Core tasks

1. 01Measure and visually inspect products for surface and dimension defects to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
2. 02Observe continuous operation of automatic machines to ensure that products meet specifications and to detect jams or malfunctions, making adjustments as necessary.
3. 03Set up, operate, or tend metal or plastic molding, casting, or coremaking machines to mold or cast metal or thermoplastic parts or products.
4. 04Turn valves and dials of machines to regulate pressure, temperature, and speed and feed rates, and to set cycle times.
5. 05Read specifications, blueprints, and work orders to determine setups, temperatures, and time settings required to mold, form, or cast plastic materials, as well as to plan production sequences.
6. 06Observe meters and gauges to verify and record temperatures, pressures, and press-cycle times.

Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)

• Repeating same tasks3.47
• Degree of automation2.42
• Time sitting1.28
• Originality (ability)2.12
• Conflict situations2.57
• Hands-on objects/tools4.33
• Outdoors / weather1.44
• Disease exposure1.10
• Decision freedom3.94

Top abilities

• Arm-Hand Steadiness3.75
• Manual Dexterity3.62
• Multilimb Coordination3.38
• Control Precision3.38
• Perceptual Speed3.25
• Near Vision3.25
• Information Ordering3.25
• Deductive Reasoning3.25

Essential skills

• Reading Comprehension3.12
• Active Listening3.25
• Writing2.62
• Speaking3.00
• Mathematics2.25
• Science1.12
• Critical Thinking3.00
• Active Learning2.88
• Learning Strategies2.25
• Monitoring3.12